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Icelandic Wonders

Icelandic Wonders

From £5,295 GBP

Description

Heimay & Surtsey, Vigur Island, Grimsey Island, Nekaupstadur….. There is nowhere better to see nature in the raw than Iceland, the ‘Land of Ice & Fire’ and during our expedition aboard the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky we will witness huge ice-caps and glaciers, active volcanoes, gurgling mud pools, steaming hot springs and lava fields. If this were not enough, the immense scale of the landscape is dominated by towering snow-capped mountains, thundering waterfalls and volcanic landscapes.

Europe’s least populated country offers the visitor an unparalleled experience of elemental forces at work and whilst we sail its waters, we will look out for humpback whales, orcas, white-beaked dolphins and the colonies of seabirds. In addition to the wildlife, the island also provides a unique historical, cultural and geological experience. Under the surface, Iceland simmers with the sparks that are the tell-tale signs of its youthfulness as Europe’s most recent geological addition, only 16-20 million years old. Iceland is continuously being created; some of its newest land is a mere 40 years old.

A journey by small ship is the ideal way to get up close to nature and explore areas inaccessible to larger vessels. With an expert expedition team and the fleet of onboard Zodiacs, we will be able to land on remote beaches and cruise close to shorelines and cliffs crowded with birdlife. Join us on our summer expedition as we explore the magnificent landscapes and learn more of the centuries old legacies of a Viking and Norse heritage. Whether your passion lies in the natural world or discovering lesser visited sites this itinerary will have something for you.

Trip Name
Icelandic Wonders
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 110 Built: 1992 - newly re-launched 2016 The Hebridean Sky (formerly the Sea Explorer) underwent a 6.5 million dollar refurbishment. Always  known for its effortless elegance, impeccable service and atmosphere of charm and camaraderie, the Hebridean Sky continues that tradition adding a host of new amenities as well as state of the art stabilization, fuel efficiency, and upgraded communications systems. Its all-suite accommodations and increased adventure options make the Hebridean Sky the perfect blend of luxury and adventurous exploration. SPACIOUS SUITES Hebridean Sky is an all-suite yacht accommodating up to 110 guests. Built in 1992, refurbished 2014 and again in 2016, each suite features: • Exterior views • Your choice of queen-sized or two twin-sized beds • Sitting area with sofa and side chair • Flat Screen TV with DVD/CD player • Telephone • Independent temperature controls • Mini-Bar • Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries • Hair dryer • 220 square feet or more • Sofa can be converted to bed for third person In adition Promenade, Deluxe, Veranda & Penthouse Suites include: • En suite Champagne & Chocolates on Arrival • Complimentary mini-bar (beer, wine & soft drinks) • $100 per person Gift Shop credit • En suite Nespresso machine Penthouse Suites (325 sq.ft.) and Veranda Suites (260 sq.ft.) feature private balconies. ONBOARD DINING Great expeditions require great food! Our team of world-class chefs offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that change daily. They have boat-loads of creativity, so you are sure to experience a variety of remarkable cuisine throughout your voyage. SERVICES • World-Class Cuisine • Complimentary Wine with Dinner • Live Entertainment • Complimentary Coffee/Tea station • Voyage Photographer • On-board MD and Facilities • Dedicated Passenger Service Manager • Pre-voyage hotel night • Complimentary Expedition Jacket FACILITIES • Elevator serving all passenger decks • Upgraded WIFI Internet • Library with computers • Panoramic Top Deck Observation Platform • Bar/Lounge with Live Entertainment • Boot Room • Lounge with Audiovisual Facilities • DVD Movie Library Deck plans may very depending on the ship operator.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Reykjavik.
Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky moored in the city.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Snaefellsnes.
Our first landing in Iceland sees us at the Snaefellsnes Peninsula dominated by the Snæfellsjokull volcano which is regarded as one of the symbols of Iceland. Here we will use our Zodiacs to land in some of the more remote areas. Arnastapi is known as the setting for Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” and is a stunning location with columnar basalt, ravines and grottoes and magnificent lava formations. The cliffs between Arnastapi and Hellnar became a Natural Reserve in 1979 and are home to Arctic tern, kittiwake and fulmar. We will explore local fishing villages, walk on the beaches and see the black lava that dominates the area whilst the active may enjoy a walk inside the Vatnshellir Cave, a lava cave accessible by a long staircase deep underground and where our guide will inform us of the geology, history and folklore associated here.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Breidafjordur & Latrabjarg.
This morning we see the advantages of our small ship as we start to explore the fjords north of Reykjavik. We will start in Breidafjordur where we hope to make a landing at the quaint little island of Flatey with its old village, painted houses, church and the oldest and smallest library in Iceland. Return to the ship for lunch and later this afternoon we will cruise past the Latrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Europe and home to millions of birds including puffins, northern gannets, guillemots and razorbills. If time and weather permits we hope to launch the zodiacs for a closer look.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Vigur Island & Hornbjarg.
Awake this morning in the Western Fjords, an isolated but spectacular area of Iceland. We will explore Isafjordur with the Hebridean Sky and depending on local weather conditions, we hope to land on Vigur, a serene little island with only five residents but home to many more puffins, eider ducks, black guillemots and Arctic terns. We can also visit Iceland’s only extant windmill dating from the 19th century. Ensure you are on deck this afternoon as we cruise round the north coast of Iceland at the Hornbjarg Cliffs. These stunning cliffs rise 534 metres from the sea and is one of the largest centres for puffins in Iceland.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Siglufjordur & Grimsey Island.
Siglufjordur is a picturesque town that enjoys an idyllic setting in a small fjord backed by mountains. Here in the early 1900s, a booming economy due to the herring industry resulted in a prosperous town with some marvellous Icelandic architecture. Stroll through the town and visit the Herring Era Museum. In the afternoon we head to Grimsey Island. The Arctic Circle bisects this island which is known for its tiny community, basalt cliffs and large variety of birdlife. On arrival join our expedition team members for a nature walk on the island. Be on deck after dinner as we sail down Eyafjordur, on the lookout for whales, heading to Akureyri.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Akureyri.
This delightful town on the north coast of Iceland is not what you would expect to find in such a remote location. In summer months the gardens and window boxes are ablaze with colour and on a morning tour we will explore the botanic garden where we find species from Africa, China and the Mediterranean growing alongside the Alaskan, Greenlandic and indigenous specimens. We will also have time to explore the town to visit Art Alley, where artisans keep their workshops and galleries, or the local church with its beautiful views over the fjord. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon to explore further or maybe enjoy a hike in nearby Kjanaskogur. Alternatively travel by bus to the Lake Myvatn-Krafla area, a fine example of the volcanic world with lava fields, boiling and steaming mud pools and steam vents of sulphur and craters. The area illustrates the sheer magnitude of Iceland’s forces at work. The lake itself, with beautiful natural rock formations and hot springs, is also a unique ecosystem and the largest migratory bird sanctuary in Europe. We will offer time in the natural baths or on a bird watching walk before returning to the ship via Godafoss (falls of the Gods), an imposing sight.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Husavik.
Over breakfast we arrive in Husavik, known as the whale capital of Iceland. This morning we will use local boats to explore Skjalfandi Bay looking for one of the 15 species of whales, the most popular being Humpback, Minke and Blue whales, as well as white beaked dolphins and many different kinds of birds. After lunch on board we have the afternoon to explore the pretty town including time at the excellent whale museum, the exploration museum and quaint local church.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Mjoifjordur & Nekaupstadur
Enjoy the benefits of our small ship as we explore the lesser known fjords in the south east of Iceland. We cruise through Mjoifjordur where we can enjoy the wilderness of this remote area. We also hope to land at the small town at Neskaupstadur for a chance to visit the excellent museum which features the local art gallery, Museum of Natural History and Maritime Museum. The more active amongst us can hike to the avalanche barriers behind the town, offering great views of the surrounding areas.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Hofn.
Today we will see the shimmering white Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier, sometimes called an icecap. The 600 metre thick ice surmounts active volcanoes, one of which erupted in 1996, creating a crater on the surface of the glacier, a most unusual phenomenon. We will have a choice of excursions today either choose to drive to the land locked Jokusarlon lagoon where on a boat trip we can see the icebergs calve into the water. After a local lunch we will view the Hoffellsjokull glacier before returning to Hofn and the Hebridean Sky. Alternatively the more active may wish to partake in a four by four drive to the ice cap itself where we can spend time walking on the ice enjoying this stunning scenery with views from the mountains to the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 10 - Day 10 - Heimay & Surtsey.
Our last morning in Iceland is spent at the Vestmannaeyjar (Westmann Islands). Islanders here live with a dramatic volcanic history. In 1973 the island of Heimaey experienced an eruption which created a new mountain, Eldfell, known as Mount Fire. We will explore the only community, Heimaey, where half buried houses can be partially seen peeking out through the lava and ash. If time permits we may also launch the zodiacs for an exploration of the nearby bay. Later this afternoon we will circumnavigate Surtsey Island which was created volcanically in 1963 and is a closed nature reserve. Few places in the world illustrate more dramatically the powerful forces of nature.
Day 11 - Day 11 - Reykjavik.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-07-201818-07-2018£6,195Mawson Corner Suite
08-07-201818-07-2018£8,295Byrd Superior Sole
08-07-201818-07-2018£5,795Mawson Premuim Suite
08-07-201818-07-2018£5,495Byrd Superior Suite
08-07-201818-07-2018£7,795Amundsen Standard Sole
08-07-201818-07-2018£8,395Shackleton Hebridean Suite
08-07-201818-07-2018£7,395Shackleton Owner's Balcony Suite
08-07-201818-07-2018£6,895Scott Deluxe Balcony Suite
08-07-201818-07-2018£5,295Amundsen Standard Suite

Inclusions

    • Full circumnavigation of Iceland.
    • Excellent bird & whale watching opportunities.
    • Explore Latrabjarg & the smaller fjords such as Mjoifjordur which the larger ships are unable to access.
    • Cross the Arctic Circle on Grimsey.
    • Land on the small islands of Vigur & Flatey with their wildlife & nature spotting opportunities.
    • Explore on guided hikes along the way.
    • Travel with experienced expedition team bringing knowledge of the flora, fauna, geology and cultures of Iceland

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